Blessings: Drinking From The Saucer

 I've never made a fortune,
and I'll never make one now.
But it really doesn't matter
'cause I'm happy anyhow.

As I go along my journey
I'm reaping better than I've sowed.
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don't have a lot of riches,

And sometimes the going's tough
But with kin and friends to love me
I think I'm rich enough.

I thank God for the blessings

That His mercy has bestowed.
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

He gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings for
I'm already blessed enough.

May we never be too busy
To help bear another's load.
Then we'll all be drinking from the saucer
When our cups have overflowed.

By John Paul Moore

A Yellow Flag or Thanking God For His Purpose?

 When things in our life happen that seem unfair or "against the rules" as I interpret them, I am reminded that I am not the referee but rather a disciple with much to learn about the faithful, tender, loving kindness of God.

My hope and strength is found as I bless the Lord in the middle of trouble, acknowledging God’s role in our lives and dwell instead on the greatness of our God. In Psalm 103, David knew trouble. He faced the threat of enemies, the consequences of his own sin, and the challenges of sorrow. Yet he also recognized the healing power of praise. He list reasons to turn our attention to God, who gives us many benefits:

 

• He forgives us, 
• heals us, 
• redeems us, 
• crowns us with love and compassion, 
• satisfies our desires, and 
• renews us. 

Focusing on God’s greatness puts hope in our troubled hearts. 

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all."

Psalm 103:1‭-‬5‭, ‬14‭-‬19 KJV

A POWER CHAIR!

 The Numotion power wheelchair was delivered last Wednesday. While it brings reality to not-so-distant increased struggles with everyday mobility, it comes as hope for this new normal. 

• Hope to continue to connect with friends and family.
• Hope to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. 

My beautiful wife

It allows to traverse walking trails in the park and interact in church with new friends and family. The elevator feature promises a quality of interaction that would not be possible without it. As daily needs have increased, blessings have continued to come in overwhelming ways. With the help of a loving wife and the support of family and friends, God has been good to me!

Team Gleason's passion to help those with ALS really has made a difference with me and my family and I am truly grateful. Besides all this, I am glad it raises up to be nearly as high as the tall kids that we live with and is fast enough to chase my grandkids around the house :)

-David C

Spring, TX

#teamgleason #nowhiteflags #als #lougherigsdisease #numotion #gonumotion #powerwheelchair #seatelevator #accessibility #mostblessedmanalive

Rumors, Reactions and Refreshment

TRANSPARENCY. The word of the day. When I made the decision to let others in on my diagnosis, I know human nature well enough to expect a certain about of exaggeration and misunderstanding. It is a time such as this that I can identify with Mark Twain and his letter to the reporter who inquired about news of his demise when he said "the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated".

Although most reactions have been kind, encouraging and filled with offers of prayer, some have set  the whole process in fast forward past the tribulation and a hundred years into the millennium complete with mildewed gravestone and faded newspaper clipped obituary. 

My answer is simply this: God will keep me alive and well until He is finished with me. Although I feel somewhat an accelerated need to really live life to the fullest and lead our ministry through necessary changes, my prayer is still that God would lead one day at a time. 

I've had the privilege through phone calls and social media to be greatly encouraged by a host of friends and spiritual mentors. Along with the prayers being promised, some have provided thought provoking reminders of the fact that the journey is just as important as the destination. 

One such post that helped me keep this in perspective is from my friend Keith Bassham  (he can say more in a couple of paragraphs than I can in ten pages)

He wrote:

"When Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur Fellowship passed away, one of her coworkers said to the leaders that God had expressed confidence in her followers by taking her from them. In a similar way, God expressed confidence in Job when He called him to the attention of Satan. I have no death wish, and I’m not intentionally seeking a path of suffering, but if and when it does come, I hope to have faith to see it as something God purposes, if not for me, perhaps for others. And, I hope to have the faith to see it as something of a grace coming to me, an expression of God’s confidence in the work He has been doing in me these 50 years. Be convinced of my prayer and continued friendship. God speed on your journey. I will be following closely."

These special fountains of fresh spring waters and wonderful conversations are a life bonus and reflect the kindness of God in unexpected times on an uncertain path to a promised haven. God is good. 

Milestones

Learning to conquer the the next challenge starts young. Once it is overcome, the next challenge rapidly presents itself.. so fast that we quickly forget the accomplishment and move on.. unless you are a grandparent with a camera.

I ran across this video yesterday and it brings back a flood of memories. And with the challenges that face us (in this case almost 10 years later), it is good to mark milestones and remember that God can help us to face todays challenges and give us the strength we need for today. Matthew 6:33 reminds us "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."